 This section is now bypassed on the new dual-carriageway with access to the original road maintained as rest areas.The A26 continues towards Ballymena before drivers are offered to turn-off-to-stay-on the route, to continue into Ballymena town centre, or to by-pass the town via the M2.Traffic on the M2 then rejoins the A26 on its last roundabout junction, and the route continues to Antrim as dual-carriageway towards its junction with the M2 and M22.